Joshua 9:1-27

9:1-15 | God had directed His people to “make no covenant, nor show mercy to” the inhabitants of Canaan (Deut. 7:1-2), although they were allowed to make treaties with those in far-off lands (Deut. 20). Knowing this, the Gibeonites pretended to be from a far country. There is often more to be feared from section than from combat – Satan can dress up new things and make them look old, as he did with the Gibeonites. He stands ever ready to seduce God’s people away from God’s purposes.

9:14-15 | The people of Israel had just stood between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal and had heard about the “blessings” of living God’s way and the “curses” for disobeying Him. Complacent in their strong position, confident of their own judgement, and sure that they saw the whole truth (even after God had proven that they could not even defeat tiny Ai without Him), they failed to ask counsel of the LORD before making this treaty. God’s people set themselves up for failure when they fail to consult Him. It is not enough to pray for God’s provision; His direction must be sought as well.

9:16-17 | Although Joshua had to abide by the treaty, his wise solution was that the Gibeonites must become bondservants. Knowing that influence tends to trickle down, there was little risk of intermarriage with the people of Israel if the Gibeonites were in a subservient role. He also involved them in the worship of the Lord – preparing the wood for Israel’s sacrifices and carrying the water used in the cleansing rituals – hoping this would influence them toward the one true God.